AJ Smith-Shawver DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to David O'Brien of The Athletic, Atlanta Braves pitching prospect AJ Smith-Shawver is expected to see starting opportunities early in the season. O'Brien noted that with Spencer Strider (elbow) set to open the season on the injured list, Smith-Shawver should be in the mix for starts early on. Smith-Shawver made his MLB debut during the 2023 season and held a 4.26 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP across 25 1/3 innings. Last summer, he logged just four 1/3 innings in Atlanta and did not allow a run. Across 87 frames with Triple-A Gwinnett last summer, the No. 2 prospect in the system posted a 4.86 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. He struck out 104 batters and served up 40 free passes. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during spring training as he could crack the starting rotation. He will compete for a spot alongside Ian Anderson, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder.

Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver has been named the starter for Game 1 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday night. The Braves didn't have ideal options to choose from to start against a strong Padres offense to kick off the three-game series, as Smith-Shawver got the nod over Ian Anderson and Bryce Elder. The 21-year-old made his big-league debut in 2023 but pitched in just six games (five starts). His lone MLB start in 2024 came back on May 23, when he threw 4 1/3 shutout innings in a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs. The former seventh-rounder didn't do great in the minors, posting a 4.85 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 108 K's and 40 walks in 89 innings over 21 starts with Triple-A Gwinnett and High-A Rome. Needless to say, Smith-Shawver won't be a recommended DFS play for the first day of playoff action.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher prospect AJ Smith-Shawver twirled his longest outing of the season on Wednesday when he pitched six innings of shutout baseball, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out seven batters. With the Braves in dire need of pitching earlier this season, the 21-year-old made one start for the big league club before suffering a strained oblique which led to a stint on the IL. The righty has made eight starts since coming off the IL in July and it hasn't gone too smoothly, allowing 12 earned runs on 15 hits (six home runs) and 12 walks, although the strikeout total remained stout with 32 Ks in 22 1/3 IP. Hopefully the Braves' second-ranked prospect is rounding into form and will be ready if called upon again down the stretch, but look for his fantasy relevance to reemerge in full force next season.